bio
Dr. Kelly Cairns is a board-certified Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist and senior veterinary medical executive recognized nationally for her leadership in veterinary medicine, clinical education, medical quality and organizational culture. With nearly two decades of experience across general practice, emergency medicine and multi-specialty veterinary care, she is a trusted expert for veterinary professionals, media outlets and academic institutions.
Dr. Cairns earned her DVM from Colorado State University in 2004, completed a rotating internship at Cornell University in 2005 and finished her Small Animal Internal Medicine residency at The Ohio State University in 2008, when she became a Diplomate of the ACVIM. Her clinical background includes years as a practicing internist and medical director in multi-specialty and emergency hospitals.
In 2018, Dr. Cairns joined Thrive Pet Healthcare in a senior medical leadership role and later served five years as Vice President of Medical Excellence & Education for nearly 400 veterinary hospitals nationwide. She built the Medical Excellence & Education department from the ground up, designing large-scale programs, clinical quality systems, education platforms and leadership development initiatives that improved veterinary medical care and strengthened teams across a national network.
Today, Dr. Cairns is an adjunct faculty member at the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she contributes to veterinary curriculum design, clinical reasoning education and modern teaching models such as team-based learning and competency-based veterinary education (CBVE). She is the current President of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, serves on the dvm360 Editorial Board, and is an Advisory Board Member for Wedgewood Pharmacy.
Dr. Cairns is also an internationally recognized veterinary speaker and thought leader, with presentations featured at ACVIM, AAVMC, Fetch dvm360, Viticus Group conferences, Feline VMA, VCA Canada summits, ISVMA and other major continuing education events. She is frequently sought after by veterinary organizations and media outlets for expert commentary on internal medicine, veterinary education, clinical reasoning, leadership, team culture and professional wellbeing.
Her work brings together clinical excellence, medical strategy, education innovation and leadership development to support high-quality veterinary care and sustainable veterinary careers. She is passionate about helping veterinarians, students and organizations grow with confidence, purpose and long-term wellbeing.
Dr. Cairns lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her family, including a very loved (and very poorly mannered) Labrapittie mix. Outside of her professional roles, she enjoys distance running and the science of brewing the perfect cup of tea.